Florence, Italy is one of the most captivating, beautiful and interesting cities in the whole world. Firenze, Italia, as Italians refer it to is one of Italy’s most atmospheric and pleasant cities; successfully retaining it’s medieval feel and style. Florence is a city full of amazing art, architecture, history and people that is not to be missed by anyone traveling to Europe.

Florence is the capital of the region of Tuscany, on Italy's northwest coast. Florence, situated on the Arno River, has a population of around 400,000 plus a suburban population of about 200,000.  Florence has an area of about 3,500 sq km, which enables a tourist to walk from one end of the city center to the other in about 30 minutes.

The history of Florence is as unique as the city itself. Florence was the site of an Etruscan settlement in about 200 BC and later became a Roman Town. In the 5th and 6th centuries, Florence was controlled, in turn, by numerous groups of people including the Goths and the Byzantines. All of who contributed to Florence becoming a city-state in the 15th century when the city came under the control of Cosimo de’Medici. Over the next two centuries, Florence succeeded to become one of the most successful cities in Italy. Over this time Florence become the capital of Tuscany until it finally became the capital of Italy from 1865 to 1871. Although much of Italy was ravaged by war in World War 11, Florence was relatively unharmed and to this day continues to impress tourists from all over the world.

Starting in the early 15th century, Florence has flourished as a city of intellectual and artistic life. Many artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Donatello created some of their most brilliant masterpieces in Florence. There are also numerous poets and scholars active in Florence, and some of the earliest operas were performed there. Today, with Florence’s striking architecture, artistic history and captivating museums, Florence has deservingly become the center of art in Italy.

There are many reasons that people come to visit Florence, and there is something for everyone in this enchanting city. The best time to visit Florence is in the low season, from April to June and in September/October, when the weather is usually good, prices are lower and there are fewer tourists - if you come in July or August, expect there to people lots of tourists and long lines. There are many attractions in Florence to keep tourists entertained and interested for days. The Bargello Museum contains the most comprehensive range of medieval and Renaissance art in Italy. The most famous attraction in Florence is the Duomo, which is the most recognized symbol on Florence’s skyline. Other attractions not to be missed are the Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Lorenzo, Pitti Palace and the Santa Croce. Florence also hosts many festivals, parades, and special events throughout the year that are not to be missed by even the most seasoned traveler.